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- Hours:
Mon-Thu 1 pm - 12 am
Fri-Sat 12 pm - 2 am
Sun 11 am - 11 pm
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Late Night
- Music:
- Live, Juke Box
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Wed, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
45 reviews for Cigars & Stripes
Review Highlights
"Ronnie is great & always makes you feel welcome."
(in 21 reviews)
"and so are Ronnie's hot sauces."
(in 5 reviews)
"Great selection of beers, especially ones of the craft..."
(in 3 reviews)
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45 reviews in English
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Review from Adrian W.
Chicago, IL
Updated - 11/22/2011 13 Check-ins Here
Come here for awesome beers.
And even awesom'er company.
The wings are awesome, the beers are awesome, the bartenders are awesome, the decor is awesome. But what sets this place apart from every other bar is that there is no snobbery with the patrons. You can strike up a conversation about everything.
Stop reading this review and make a trip. Tell Ronnie that Adrian sent you so that Ronnie can give me a heartier hand shake next time I am in.2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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7/8/2011
I judge every drinking establishment to Cigar and Stripes.
As should you. Read more »
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Review from Grace N.
12/21/2011
This place must be haunted because the combination of a bloody mary and wings was a near death experience. I am a spice LOVER but it's the spiciest bloody mary I have EVER had, and that's saying a lot. Once I bit into a few wings, which are spice rubbed and come with some of the hottest tabasco sauces I've ever tried, my already inflamed stomach was on fire. I wish they had a choice of a sweet sauce to balance out the heat (even their "sweet pea" sauce burned a trail down my throat).
They serve pizza and wings only, and have a good beer selection and interesting decor which seem to keep the regulars coming back for more. -
Review from KATIE L.
Chicago, IL
11/4/2011
OOP'S there it is. Rib tips, not here, Yelp, Yelp, Yelp, rib tips, awesome rib tips, tasty rib tips, meaty rib tips, lip smacking , finger licking, um, with a sauce to eat for ,rib tips. . I am so use to cold slaw with ribs but tips with succotash gave the tips a different meaning. I know we dress up a pair of jean but dressing up rib tips, yelp, yelp, yelp. Succotash gave it a out of this world taste.
TIPS ! that make your lips, teeth and tounge do the right thing, get together and eat.
I am what I eat. Damn I WAS AN AWESOME RIB TIP.
Thank's Ronnie, I will be back. -
Review from Caitlin C.
Berwyn, IL
2/7/2012
This is probably my favorite bar in the world. I love everything, from the wings made in the cooker out back to the horror decor. Any bar where I can watch Dead Alive on a big screen is ok with me! The regulars are friendly. The beer selection rocks. Ronnie, the owner, is one of the coolest guys you'll meet in the burbs! The ladies popping beers are also fantastic and funny. This bar deserves every single star! Thanks for being one of my favorite places in my hometown!
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Review from ANNIE M.
Chicago, IL
1/31/2012
great Bloody Mary's and super cozy!!!!
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Review from B P.
Lake Bluff, IL
12/29/2011
If you like unique local bars, this has to be one of the best. They have an amazing selection of beer on tap and a decent bottled selection too. They have two real menu items: wings and pizza. Both are cooked in a smoker. The pizza is good, but these have to be some of the best wings I have ever had. They are not sauced, but a bit spicy. They also provide you sauces to add to your liking, and the hot is very hot!
After being there for about an hour, the owner pulled down the video screen and we got to watch a couple of great B movies. These movies are complete train wrecks and fun as hell to watch.
They also have stand-ups a few nights a week and we will definitely be going back to see them! -
Review from Shelley A.
Chicago, IL
12/6/2011
This is one of those unique spots that you don't find just anywhere. First of all, each time I have been here, they are out smoking meat in the back...this is the real deal folks. I am a vegetarian, which means I don't eat meat, but every so often (and very seldom) I come across something special. The wings at Cigars and Stripes are worth eating. That's all I'll say. They have a great beer selection and I love that they play really terrible old horror films sometimes behind the bar. I would definitely come here more often if I lived closer.
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Review from Cathryn G.
Chicago, IL
1/25/2012
Awesome food! Awesome atmosphere! Great beer selection! My favorite place to be on a Saturday night!!! =) WINGS ARE GREAT! Try out all their hot sauces!
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Review from Brien A.
Oak Lawn, IL
9/17/2011
Heard this place had some killer wings and a great beer selection so I decided to head out and give Cigars and Stripes a visit.
The place is small and nostalgic. Cool signs all over, small stage in the corner, small cigar shop in the front.
Took a seat at the bar and ordered an IPA and some wings.
The wings are smoked and are very delicious! Nice change from the typical fried wings. The draft craft beer selection is outstanding! You'll need a cab to get home if you try them all.
Ronnie the owner really knows his beers and was a blast to BS with!
I will be hitting this place up again very soon! -
Review from Lorie B.
Berwyn, IL
5/30/2011
I can't believe that I have never written a review of this place! Admittedly, I don't come here often enough. The place is always a good time and the bar staff (and owner) are always super fun, helpful and nice! (kudos to Ronnie and Sarah!) The bar has a great vibe and it's really eclectic. There is a lot of horror movie and rocker kitsch- it's really worth checking out.
We have only had a pizza here but last night, we had the wings. They are incredible!!! I like sauce but they were even good without it... they smoke their wings and they are great! Definitely get your hands on the wings when you stop in- but beware of some of the sauces! Yow!
The beer selection is great too! It seems like every time I come in, they have a bigger selection- and it is all great stuff!
And please try the Bloody Marys- they are great too! -
Review from Octavia P.
Hobart, IN
Here's the story Morning Glories! Okay so one of my beer drinking wing men and I stopped in on a whim because we missed the Halloween bash, of which I found out about through Speakeasy Tattoo (another 5 star-er). The beer selection is outta-this-world and the wings also register in a celestial jurisdiction! The wings here aren't the kind that put a hitch in your giddy-up kids because they don't coat their large, juicy full-sized, chicken drummettes in heavy breading...they lovingly bathe them in a savory & deeelicious rub, then smoke them! Not to mention the fact that there is NEVER a dull night at this joint! Even the "chill" nights are fun and unique. They have a campy & fun decor, an owner & staff that are the bee's knees, and if you are a cigar aficionado, then obviously they've got you covered too broseph. It truly is, "A strange place for nice people!" From the Standup Comedy to the B Horror Flick Nights, you'll find it hard NOT to want to frequent Cigars & Stripes!
Listed in: Sometimes you wanna go....
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Review from Stacey K.
11/11/2011 2 photos
My friend called me yesterday to say she and her hub were goin to Cigars and Stripes after work to have a few beers and pick up some cigars for a wedding he's in this weekend. Would my hub and I like to tag along? Hmm....it gets dark at 4:22 these days, I'm already suffering cabin fever, and it's a joint I've never been to.... "YES" is what I barked into the phone in reply. Best decision i made that day. This is a place almost difficult to write about cuz you just have to experience it yourself to understand. I don't want to echo all the reviews below but I will say that everything you read about this place is the truth. Warm, cozy, dim, and totally cool and a little off the wall. There is funky, neat stuff everywhere. We ordered wings and a smoked chicken pizza and went into the back (see pic) to play pinball while we waited for our food. When it was ready we went back up front to sit at a table. The owner and the patrons were sitting around the bar watching "Fawlty Towers" and laughing and sipping their beers. I felt like I was in someone's warm and welcoming living room. The wings were smoky deliciousness, and that pizza WAS AWESOME. Get the smoked chicken pizza! I'm still re-living every moment of eating that. My friend;s husband grabbed the sweet-pea sauce and doused every other bite of pizza with it (so not my thing - I'm not a big "sauce on stuff" fan). I followed suit and it was fan-f***ing-tastic! While friend's husband bought the cee-gars we chatted for a bit with the owner and he gave us the inside track on the next menu special he had goin which is the smoked meatloaf sandwich. Dang that sounds good! We'll be back. Oh yes......we'll be back......
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Review from Bob J.
Lisle, IL
7/2/2010
A few of us stopped in here on a lark last week, having heard one or two strong recommendations from people who know what they are talking about.
I don't need to describe the place. Everyone has done that, and there's a website and what not.
We had a few decent beers on draft (including '08 Bigfoot), but passed, for the day, on the Edmund Fitzgerald Float (we'll be back soon for that!). Ronnie, the owner, engaged us in conversation, told us ALL about all the beers on draft, and even bought us one to sample before we headed out.
Not only is this a fantastic little, idiosyncratic space, but everyone is so warm and welcoming. I couldn't have asked for a better experience.
Update: DO get the wings. It's hard to beat a $9 special for a pint of Sierra Nevada Pale Ale plus freshly smoked and grilled chicken wings. -
Review from Lisa D.
Chicago, IL
3/17/2010
i LOVE it, absolutely.
We strayed from our usual after work Friday spot to come here and lean on each others' shoulders afte a particularly trying week in our district.
I hate Cigar smoke, cigarette smoke, and all other kinds of smoke but the smoke coming out of the quirky life size statue out front was welcoming. Also welcoming was the smoking Italian immigrant who told me I could park my car along the wall. "You a teacher? " yes. "You laid off too?" yes. :( "You can park here."
I don't really drink beer either but this place has some top notch drafts and exotic bottles as well. The bathroom is wonderful pink with cool artwork all about and I'm told the Guys' bathroom is just as entertaining. ;)
There are photos of the owner from his wresting days and I'm happy to report he looks to be doing a lot better than Mickey Rourke's character in The Wrestler. There' a great little mini-stage in the corner for karaoke and a few tables and so much to look around at. I adore the joint.
It is FABULOUS!!
oh! and they also sell cigars. Who knew? -
Review from Candice G.
Naperville, IL
11/12/2009 1 Check-in Here
I kind of love it.
I digress:
Cigars and Stripes is a haunted bar... that's right, it was featured on one of those History or SyFy channel shows, hosts comedy shows & sometimes bands, is classic monster and wrestling themed, has a game room with a pool table and a monster pinball machine, a cigar shop run by a old Eastern European man who used to be a jockey, and a rockin' craft beer selection. To put it simply, this place is WEIRD and like it!
How can I not like this place? One suggestion, get a beer LIST! I don't like to guess or squint to see what you serve, just gimme a hand with a little menu and I'll totally be a happy little ghoul. -
Review from Melissa B.
Riverside, IL
6/16/2010
This place is tops, for sure!
Ronnie is awesome, super accommodating and always willing to give a great beer recommendation. He only carries amazing beer and the selection changes just often enough. I wish I could go in daily, honestly. The pizza is fantastic and do yourself a favor and put some hot sauce on it! MMmmmmm!!!
I need to get back and soon to try the wings : ) -
Review from John L.
Chicago, IL
2/17/2009
Who'd have thunk that such a cool bar could exist in Berwyn, IL, the home to many-a Taverns? Owned and run by the crazy Ronnie Lottz, Cigars and Stripes on the inside is not like the standard Berwyn Tavern it appears to be when driving past it on Ogden Ave.
When you enter, you're in an old school smoke shop with a wide variety of cigars and hot sauces for sale. Moving toward the back you will find a uniquely decorated bar and it's evident that Ronnie is a fan of Halloween. There's a pool table in the back room too. On tap is the potent and tasty Urthel Hop-It, a Belgium ale that surely packs a punch, Delireum Tremens and several other tasty adult brews.
On Wednesday and Saturday there is Stand-Up Comedy at Cigars and Sripes and occasionally a band will perform. I played there in December and had a blast and hope to be back again soon. On Sundays during the game(s), Ronnie will have something cooked up, whether Chili or Hot Links. There are a lot of good times to be had at C&S. And, Ronnie's stories are priceless! He's quite the character! -
Review from Jelena Z.
11/6/2009
Quirky, a bit kitschy and full of interesting characters!
The beer list was selected with some serious thought. A nice collection of bottles and another ten or so on tap.
The bar is tiny, so if you're here to see a band, it will be loud. As in you can't talk to the person standing next to you LOUD. So, hope you like the band because there's no escaping the big sound!
Apparently they're known for their pizzas and smoke collection. I'd imagine this is a favorite hangout for bikers and rockers alike. Lots of edge and cool decor too. And, the regulars will start conversation with you. Not to worry-- they don't bite! -
Review from Al D.
Chicago, IL
10/16/2008
Bought my very first cigar here *sniff*
You don't find cool, quirky places like this anymore.Listed in: West
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Review from Lisa A.
Bolingbrook, IL
5/26/2006 3 photos
The hidden Rock-a-billy joint - Bar and Smoke Shop!
http://www.cigarsandst...
Theres alaways something goin on there. If you lke scary movies - check out mondays, good beer - everyday, Live rockabilly /rock/punk music - on the weekends. and Fun Times - All The Time!!
Definitly reccommend everyone who likes tales from the crypt to go there. conviently offa ogden and oak park.
GOOD STUFF HERE!!!Listed in: The Places I Go Out
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Review from C R.
Berwyn, IL
5/28/2011
DAMN FINE Pulled pork sammiches. AMAZING smoked chicken wings. Ronnie is the shizzle. This place is comfortable, friendly, and the Bloody Mary's are like a meal in a glass....YUM!
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Review from Brooke H.
I had never heard of this place and had no expectations whatsoever. I went here to see my friends' band play. So we pull up to the place, and there was this huge monster sculpture thing outside with a smoke machine, a sign for some random hot sauce and a slogan "A strange place... for nice people"
I don't know why but I got a little giddy.
When we walked in we were greeted by a very funny, very tiny, very old man. His name escapes me, but he's awesome. We paid the cover and turned to walk in. You know in movies when a heavenly sort of spot light comes down from above and angels start singing? Yeah? That happened. First my eyes shot over to the side of the joint where there are about a bazillion hot sauces and a pretty wide variety of cigars and I thought I was in heaven. Until I turned around and walked into the bar. No, this isn't heaven, this is better then heaven it's like some sort of utopia or nirvana on earth. They had a bunch of awesome beers on tap and in bottles. And it looked really cool. The décor is kind of hot-rod/biker meets dark comedian meets dive bar - me likey.
Everyone there was super nice, it's one of those places you go outside for a smoke and everyone talks to you. The stage is super teeny weenie, but my friends' are a 3peice band and they rocked it just fine.
I really enjoyed myself and I cant wait to go back.
Gals, good luck finding the light in the bathroom. If I was a good yelper I'd tell you where it is. Muahahaahaaaha. -
Review from D D.
IL
Updated - 11/2/2009
I have to give kudos to Ronnie at Cigars & Stripes for making Halloween Week (yes I said WEEK) an extravaganza of creepy fun!
He had events going each night of the week leading up to Halloween - an Edgar Allan Poe reading, 16mm monster movies, a hypnotist, card readings, comics, singers, Happy the Human Pin Cushion, and a beer tasting that rocked!
70 some-odd beers were there to sample. Abita was the most mainstream brew I saw. The rest were fantastic beers from all around the world. Besdies all the beers, there was entertainment, food & a tarot card reader - not your typical beer tasting at all!
The heated tent held up well during the rain that night, but of course you're gonna get some water creeping in on the ground. Nobody had an issue with stepping around a puddle or two on the evening of the beer tasting.
Thanks Ronnie!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/8/2008
Strangely inviting, always interesting, and sometimes flat out crazy ... that's how I'd summarize my… Read more »
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Review from Cindy B.
Summit-Argo, IL
8/24/2011
I don't review very often. Actually I'm not sure if I have ever reviewed on yelp. But I just have to add my 5 stars to this fine establishment. I've never not had a good time here. The beers on tap are always changing so I'm always trying something new and delicious. Everyone is friendly there, and everyone is welcome. Although, if it's your first time there, we might laugh while watching you figure out how to turn on the bathroom light.
I usually go for movie night. It's pretty much the only time I watch movies. I love the smoked wings. I can only handle the Sweet Pea sauce, but there are 4 sauces to choose from. There's some delicious pizza too if you're not in the wing mood. Or if you're in the mood for both, why not order your wings on your pizza? Sometimes Ronnie (the owner) has a crazy idea and makes meatloaf sandwiches or rib tips. Those are also delicious. Anything he makes in that smoker, you are going to want to eat. Trust me. Last St. Paddy's Day I had corned beef 3 different places. Ronnie's was by far the best. Of course he smoked them.
If you've never been, come on by. Don't be shy. So far I haven't been bitten by anyone there so I'm pretty sure no one bites. I'll be there later. -
Review from Dulce J.
Berwyn, IL
3/22/2011
This is a gem in Berwyn. I love the fact that there are no tvs broadcasting any sports. Great selection of beer and good music in the juke box. There are movies shown on Tues. night!
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Review from Patty V.
Updated - 7/15/2010
Still no complaints with the place. Wednesdays are Comedy Open Mic.Starts about 9 and runs until 11:30, or until the comics are done.Mixed bag of comics and customers,but,in a great way! I will definitely have to try some pizza and hot sauce next time. Ronnie's wings smelled deeelish-and I don't even eat meat!!
Listed in: Comedy Open Mics and shows
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/22/2010
Yes...I loved the place!! Ronnie was very welcoming and the regulars were as well. Gotta love a… Read more »
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Review from Ben T.
Berwyn, IL
1/22/2010
AWESOME BAR!!!!
A zillion great bears, live comedy shows, pinball, and the coolest regulars anywhere. -
Review from Paul P.
This place has mad charactor! The owner is an ex-pro wrestleing promoter. There is a cigar shop in the front and a bar in the middle. Pool table in the back room, and a kick ass patio. Last time I was there the owner was smoking chicken wings out back. They where delicious! My band has played three times at this place and it gets better every time we go. There is a big screen that plays movies hand picked by Ronnie the owner. The beer selection is always great! Good representation of the craft brew market. This place is great to hang out at and take in a show or just chill and watch a movie! Look out for the ghost that hangs out in the back hallway!
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Review from Carrie S.
Berwyn, IL
12/20/2010
This is such a great little bar with really cool decor. Ronnie is great & always makes you feel welcome. Love watching movies on the big screen & have even caught a show there (even though its pretty small)
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Review from Vanessa M.
Chicago, IL
9/14/2006
One of the most entertaining and interesting bars that I've ever been to. Ronnie, the owner, is always trying different things to liven the bar up. Like horror movies? Come on Tues nights. Comedy? Wed nights. Bands play as well. And they have the best nachos I have ever tasted! Drinks are inexpensive and you're always entertained.
Listed in: Berrr-WYN!
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Review from Michelle B.
Berwyn, IL
9/20/2008
I popped in this bar at the Route 66 car show because my friend's band The Gravetones (very good band by the way) were playing & its so close to home. Everyone was very friendly, and the bloody mary I had was awesome. I've never been here before but will come back again to hang in the bar. It seems very intimate and very Berwyn, which I love.
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Review from Jon G.
2/23/2011
A local neighborhood dive bar at it's best! Great selection of beers, especially ones of the craft nature. The decor is awesome. Skulls, pics of wrestlers, rockabilly type stuff, and a lot of other things really sets this place off. Lottie, the old, short guy at the door rules. Find out why for yourself. On wed nights they have a comedy open mic that has a $4 cover. It is free for performers. On fri and sat nights there is either a comedy show or bands are playing. Food here is awesome. you can get a frozen pizza, but go for the SMOKED ITEMS. Ronnie has this huge smoker that he makes wings in. They are awesome. You sauce them yourself and they come with corn salsa and dressing I believe. Also, he sometimes has smoked hot link sandwiches. These will knock your socks off! Served on a niece piece of bread, topped with awesome bbq sauce, and served with a side of JARDINERO! The best. I love this place.
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Review from Jeff J.
Berwyn, IL
5/24/2011
Great place- Great selection of beer!
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Review from Janice K.
Berwyn, IL
6/27/2010
Great spot in Berwyn. Ronnie is very helpf if you're trying new beers or cigars. Nice beer garden too.
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Review from Chad L.
Cook, IL
8/5/2010
This place rocks! Ronnie is a topnotch guy who's always trying to make sure you're enjoying yourself.
The bar has some crazy decor, a nice game room, and a cool little beer garden area. The staff is always friendly and ready to offer some suggestions if you're looking to try a new beer. The wings are killer and they have a pretty decent beer selection.
I go there at least once a week now, and it's definitely worth stopping in if you're looking for something a little different. -
Review from Margaretsen H.
Berwyn, IL
1/1/2009
Great atmosphere, better cigars.
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Review from Jean K.
10/26/2009
I visited this place for the first time last year - never heard of it before seeing their Ad in the IE for their Halloween bash. Looked interesting and like a good time so we grabbed some buddies and checked it out.
This has become my favorite spot since then and we have visited many times.
Not only is this place very original - horror and biker buffs will love the decor...but Ronnie is an excellent host making sure his patrons are well fed (during the bears games) and well watered.
His selection of beers is outstanding...there is always something new to try there...and a sample of it if you've never tasted or heard of it before.
Wednesday nights is his Amature comedy night...and for a measly $4-5 you get to see some great aspiring comedians...why not break up the week with a great laugh?
He has some great weekly events like old Black and White horror films...and on weekends some great lesser known comedians and music - but it's so much better then wasting a ton of money at Zanies or Improv.
Ronnie always makes you feel welcome...that this is your place to be.
And Halloween this place really shines...some great events in a huge tent that Barnum and Baily used to own - freaks, movies, magicians, music...awesome place to check out.
And the crowd is down to earth and great to party with.
Best place I have found out there - that is original, reasonable on prices and is the place to be when you want to party.
Highly recommended...and so are Ronnie's hot sauces. -
Review from Laurie R.
Berwyn, IL
5/15/2008
Not for the faint of heart, in many ways, but it's an easy stumble from my house and the beer is cheap and plentiful. Yes, the owner is a character, the bartenders can be surly, and some of the regulars are a little "unique". But everyone is pretty friendly, the jukebox is great, and the movies are a hit. I've seen some good comedy and some horrid comedy there. Some good bands and some not so good bands. They keep trying, though, and that's what makes it interesting.
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Review from Jesse I.
Chicago, IL
4/2/2010
Good beers, tiny stage that puts the band right up in your face, friendly staff, and the opportunity to ogle the sweet mullets on display in the owner's pictures from his pro wrestling days. This may become a favored destination after watching the matches over at the Eagles Club on 26th...
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Review from Jason B.
Chicago, IL
2/21/2010
Wonderful place where I felt like I was a regular. Ronnie is very cool. They have live stand-up comedy, movies, music and very cool bar tenders. The pizza is pretty good too! I've only been there once so far, but I know I'll be back.
